American Physicist Michio Kaku warns of videos on 3I/ATLAS that has divided scientists and researchers on its Alien and extraterrestrial origins

Renowned theoretical physicist Michio Kaku has issued an urgent warning about AI-generated deepfake videos exploiting his image to spread false claims about the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The fraudulent clips misrepresent his views on whether the celestial object could be an alien spacecraft, intensifying public confusion around an already contentious scientific debate.

"There has been a sudden rise of fraudulent unauthorised deep fake AI videos, impersonating me, misleading the public with crazy false claims that are not my own," Kaku tweeted this week, calling on tech platforms and AI leaders to take immediate action.

Deepfake videos exploit real interview to push alien spacecraft theory

The deepfakes manipulate authentic footage from Kaku's interview about 3I/ATLAS—the third confirmed object detected entering our solar system from interstellar space. While Kaku acknowledged scientific interest in studying the object's unusual characteristics, the AI-altered videos falsely claim he believes 3I/ATLAS is "almost certainly" an alien spacecraft that has beamed energy to Mars or the Sun.

The misinformation campaign comes as the scientific community remains divided over 3I/ATLAS. Theoretical physicist Avi Loeb has vocally suggested the object could represent alien technology, despite evidence showing it ejects water vapor like a conventional comet. The overwhelming consensus among astronomers, however, maintains that 3I/ATLAS is a natural object.

Physicist Brian Cox has also reported similar deepfakes using his likeness circulating on YouTube. Both scientists have urged platforms to accelerate content removal, though YouTube and TikTok have been criticised for slow response times.